Ex-Rep. Ousts CU-Backed Congressman in Disputed Texas District

SAN ANTONIO –In a race that pitted one credit union friend against another, former Democratic Congressman Ciro Rodriguez easily beat Republican Henry Bonilla on Tuesday, in the last congressional election of the year. CUNA, following its practice of sticking with incumbents, contributed $10,000 to Bonilla’s campaign, including $5,000 as recently as November 21. Security Service FCU also contributed $1,000 to the hometown congressman, according to records filed with the Federal Elections Commission. Bonilla, who was seeking an eight term, was thrown against Rodriguez, who was defeated in the 2004 redistricting, after the federal court ordered the 23rd district redrawn because of illegal gerrymandering in the 2004 Republican redistricting. Tuesday’s special election was necessary because Bonilla just failed to get 50% of the vote in the Nov. 7 election. Rodriguez, who was one of the sponsors of HR 1151, the CU Membership Access Act, overcame a huge financial disadvantage with the help of the Democratic Party, fresh off its election-day victories.